@article { , title = {Defensive pessimism-like thinking in practice: the (dys)functional strategy for coping with risk uncertainty in the offshore oilfield?}, abstract = {UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) offshore oilfield drilling is recognised as a high-hazard occupation that occurs in one of the riskiest locations in the world. Dangerous machinery, combustible hydrocarbons, unpredictable weather conditions, rapidly shifting situational factors, rotating crews, and lengthy travel over rough seas by helicopter are just some salient risk-factors. At present, little scholarly research explores how regular offshore workers develop cognitive strategies to attempt to cope with ever-present risks. This research draws on an embedded ethnography of a remote offshore oilfield drilling platform in the UK North Sea. The risks of working offshore and the strategies workers developed and employed to deal with continual risk uncertainties were discussed in face-to-face interviews with thirty-five active drilling crew as they laboured on complex well-drilling operations. Notably, defensive pessimism (DP)-like thinking was recurrently exhibited, with many workers recounting detailed narratives of mental role-play for "worst case" offshore and helicopter travel scenarios. Often, thinking appeared interlinked with strengthening motifs for workers' preparation and planning skills regarding occupational risk possibilities. These strategies are presented, as is a discussion of the effects such strategies had upon oilmen. The benefits of growing scholarly conversation surrounding DP-like thinking in practice are highlighted. alongside the methodological application of DP theory for further study surrounding practical development of coping strategies in similar high-risk workspaces.}, doi = {10.1080/13669877.2023.2187433}, eissn = {1466-4461}, issn = {1366-9877}, issue = {5}, journal = {Journal of risk research}, note = {INFO COMPLETE (Now fully published, checked and updated 27/6/2023 LM; now on publisher website 21.03.2023 GB -- notified by publisher request for Gold OA approval; pending file for further details 03.03.2023 GB) PERMISSION GRANTED (published under CC BY 21.03.2023 GB -- to be published Gold OA, but licence not yet clear; funded by ESRC so should be CC BY 03.03.2023 GB) DOCUMENT READY (rec'd first version of VOR; may need to be updated once details of volume/issue are added 21.03.2023 GB -- requested AAM; replace with VOR once available 03.03.2023 GB) ADDITIONAL INFO: Nick Adams}, pages = {547-562}, publicationstatus = {Published}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis (Routledge)}, url = {https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1898980}, volume = {26}, keyword = {Health & Wellbeing, Defensive pessimism, UK North Sea, Offshore drilling, High-risk workplaces, Hazardous workplaces, Coping strategies}, year = {2023}, author = {Adams, Nicholas Norman} }